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Thursday, July 28, 2011

a chair, a library table, a dining room table, two more chairs and a bench......loving the results of that project , i then painted my dining room walls.....which lead to painting my entry and hallway walls.......which lead to painting my kitchen and eat-in area walls!!

oh .......and a few days before all this activity, i managed to paint two paintings, inspired by a blogging friends trip to Giverney, France (i'll share those paintings soon...if i am brave that is)

PHEW!

i learned a long time ago not to question where these spurts of creative energy come from.

but to

just go with it.

so, i recently found a nearby shop that sells

Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint. i had read about it all over blog land.

see that little chair against the wall?

that was my first victim at using this paint.

the painting above the chair is one of mine.....

i tend to paint moody-sepia toned landscapes on rainy days.

i sure do wish it would rain again soon.....

i am so over this this oppressive heat and humidity.

anyway, this chair has the perfect crackling on it, that only age and exposure can create.i brushed "old white" chalk paint on it (even on the old leather seat) and then wiped some off.

here is the before.

ew.

ahhh.

then i painted this library table using "Paris Gray" chalk paint.

did you know, that the word gray can be spelled with either an a or an e?

it's true.

i looked it up.

i did some distressing to reveal the inlayed top.

i hit the terra cotta dutch shoes with the "old white" paint too.

next, i tackled the harvest table, two chairs and bench.

this set is from my childhood in the 1960's.....

boy, will my mom be surprised to see what i did to them.

the table top and chairs are mostly "old white", while the bench and trestle i painted "paris gray".

here's the "before".

dark.

no wonder we never use this room.

so much better!!

light and bright.

it's hard to tell from the photos, but the wall paint went much lighter too.

lovin the "linen white" shade from Behr!

another "before" shot.

miss swan is so much happier.

the chair now.

and then.

so the beauty of the chalk paint is...

no sanding.

no priming.

but to get an aged look, there are lots of layers, including two layers of wax.

a clear and then a dark wax.

gotta tell ya...i did not like the waxing.

i do like the white textured vinyl that i covered the seats with though...$3 for half a bolt...yard sales are cool.

i used "old white"

then "paris gray" in the cracks and crevices, for depth.

then clear wax.

then dark wax, which you have to rub off.

then more "old white".

then more wax.

lots of steps,

but the effect is pretty good.

i used a watered down "old white" on the table, so the grain of the wood shows through.

the dark side board and one corner hutch remain dark for now...they came from hubby's family and he (hubby) asked that i leave them alone ....at least for now..... they rather balance out the dark floors though.

i did tack (as in thumb tacks) old grain sacks to the backs of the windows to lighten and declutter the look.

i feel great that all the painting is done....every wall needed two coats...oy...

but i am abso-tootly lovin the changes....and the house seems fresher and lighter and brighter...

and so do i.

i am joining these parties to show off my dining room.

thanks so much for stopping by and taking time out in your busy lives to visit me.

your lovely comments mean the world to me.

howdy to my new followers...and a special shout out to Carla!! who left me a comment....she is someone i new as a child and has found my blog through our parents!

my blog is such a wonderful safe place for me to share a little bit of myself.

and i like that very much.

erin

xxoo

nn

nn

btw....as i was painting my walls, i was reminded of the fact, that ALL of the walls still have their original wallpaper underneath....YES, you can paint over wallpaper...just make sure you use an oil primer first.

also, the two corner white hutches cost $25 (for both!) ...crackled green chair was $5....and all other furniture came from our families........the carved swan is probably the most expensive thing in the room! i think it was $50 from the nashville flea market.

FANTASTIC! I love your painting too, it caught my eye right off. I'm glad you left your DH's family funrniture as is, it is lovely wood, and painting it would take away that wonderful charm of the wood.

I just clicked on your post from my sidebar, the whole time I'm reading this I'm thinking, Oh Erin, I hope i can talk you into linking up with VIF! Ha ha, loved seeing that you had planned to, anyway. You KNOW how I'm lovin' all this gorgeousness! It's all dreamy and cloud floaty! And i adore your horsey painting, this room looks like it came out of a magazine! xoxo Debra

I absolutely love it!!!!! What a difference all the white makes. And I love that linen white color on the walls. Gorgeousness. I think the sidebar that has remained dark wood helps balance the room. Your paintings are so beautiful. YOur home is even more peaceful now. ox Kerrie

I did know that about 'grey' and I prefer it with the e'e'. Probably because it seams more french to me with an 'e'.

Erin its gorgeous! I was blown away by the first photo. You know when you went back to show your hubbys sideboard I thought you had already painted it and thought it looked really good as is so you are right it balances the room great left alone. I've been wondering about that paint maybe I'll have to give it a go especially if you don't have to prime.

I have been contemplating painting our DARK dining room and after seeing yours, I know that is the way to go. Beautiful transformation! AND your "moody" art is the perfect contrast to the chair beneath.

Hi, stopping in from Miss Mustard Seeds!Wow, your really did an amazing job! You're right, all your painting made the room look so wonderfully bright!I haven't tried chalk paint yet, but your detailed post is actually making me think I need to get on the band wagon. Are you a chalk paint beliver now? Do you think it's worth the time and expense?Thanks again for sharing this great post, you can be very proud of your work!!! BTW I LOVE your painting!!!~JC

Erin,Just gorgeous! I love the painted furniture it just brings out the details so much in the chairs! Your paintings are beautiful ... it's ALL so pretty and refreshing! I am painting furniture next week that I am tired of ... needs an update.Hugs,Donna

wow...I..phew..words just escape me at this point. It looks like a completely different room in another house! gorgeous. Glad you reported back on the chalk paint, I'm still on the fence due to the expense.

Erin! Where in the world did you find all the energy? Yike! You have done such beautiful work here... I love the furniture, walls, everything... I too will have to check this chalk paint out.. Does sound like alot of work with the painting then the waxing, then paint, the wax.. Gosh, I am tired already! Well, you should give yourself a pat on the back... I am proud of you...My eyes still go to your beautiful paintings... I love your colors and your style... I could pick out your paintings without a signature... Truly beautiful and unique.Enjoy your weekendfondly,Penny

Wow Erin! You have been busy. No wonder your wrists hurt with all that brush stroking going on. Your dining room looks fabulous -- so light and fresh and airy. I like the touch of the dark wood in the hutch and sideboard surrounded by lightness. Absolutely gorgeous! Love your sepia toned paintings too. Certainly adds to the serenity of the space. Now take a much needed rest and enjoy your lovely surroundings. Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy

Tammy I love what you have done, and I love the picture above the chair just beautiful. I understand about family request to not paint herilooms white I have a few of my own that I have been "begged" not to paint, I think it adds interest and contrast in your space to keep them as is, I love that you put grain sacks inside the glass and that does lighten them up, makes the whole room beautiful, love the table, love all that you did!Sherry

OH MY GOSH! No wonder you haven't posted in a week1 You've been a busy, busy girl! It all looks so much more like you and so calm and beautiful. I love it! It also makes your sideboard stand out! Love it!Karen

Incredible Transformation.... I love the change in the furniture, really Brightened, Yet Softened the room & I think I love that the 2 pieces are still dark, Looks Perfect ~ You sure did alot, I don't think I could have done all that in such a short time ~ I can't wait till you share the new paintings too~

OH.MY.GOSH, Erin!!! INCREDIBLE! Totally incredible!!! I can't believe that you accomplished all of that in one week!! I'm speechless and in awe of the beautiful job you did. I think the magic in chalkpaint is in the layering. More work for sure - but so worth it for the results. What didn't you like about the waxing? I'm getting my first can of AS paint/wax this weekend, so any extra tips you could give me would be appreciated! Beautiful job and well done, girl! :)

wow!! you have been doing lot of painting which has turned out completely wonderful, a whole new great look to your furniture and dining area... and wow! your moody sephia painting is gorgeous as well as all I see here. What a great inspiration you are my dear!!hugs

A lovely room to start with but wow...now it is "fantastic"...gorgeous...love all of it ... especially your beautiful artwork!!!I've had enough of this particular TN summer...ready for fall and some cooler weather!!!Have a beautiful week!!!

beautiful room!!! You get really awesome creative urges. and I still want your painting of the horse. I am obsessed with it. If you ever decide to let it go or sell prints of it, you should let me know. Wonderful decorating, gorgeous paintings. You have so much talent.

OH Erin this is gorgeous!!!!! When I opened your page my mouth fell open and I just stared at the first photo and just looked around...beautiful!!!! I love the colors that you chose and yes chalk paint is great but the waxing is not my thing, necessary, but not my thing. :) I usually just go with the creative urges as well. My hubby just looks at me and shakes his head but lets me go about my business. :) Your table is just beautiful and I adore Mr. Swan there. You really did a wonderful job and I hope you use this room more now. :)xo

Wow your dining room looks fabulous! I for one (as if it mattered)... am happy you didn't paint your hubby's heirloom furniture. I like the balance like you say that it adds to the room and from one of your pictures...showing what looks like your entry door-- it ties those rooms together. Very nice touch adding the white panels in the doors of the furniture instead.

I love this room~ and am happy for you. I bet you love it too~ enjoyed seeing it. Pat

Coming over from your feature on Miss Mustard Seed. WOW!! This room is stunning! Your abilities with creating art, re-doing furniture, setting up a room....all of them are outstanding! AND, I love that the sideboard is still dark. It really makes a nice contrast in the room and goes so well like that. LOVE everything in this room! Great job!

What a beautiful job yhou did with your furniture and walls! The entire room looks so peaceful and serene! I NEED to get some of that chalk paint asap! Btw, Miss Mustard Seed sent me =:) Love your furnishings and enthusiasm! Keep inspiring! ~Leena~

Hi there,I'm a first time visitor, saw your room on MMS's furniture feature Friday and came right over...........I am so impressed with your artistic talent. Your room is lovely and I'm just awed by your paintings. As soon as I send this I'm going to be signing up to get your posts via email and to find out if (I hope the answer is yes) you sell your paintings! Your talent just overwhelms me and I hope you have more I can drool over (not on). Thank you for sharing your imagination, creativity and your lovely home.Take care, VBg

I agree with what everyone else said... The whole house looks like it has the most wonderful feel with all the original artwork, and the white just sets it all off...Is the horse a painting or a photo, i know it's original art, just not sure which, and i LOVE your painting, do you have a site where i could view more of your work?

I love the room!!! What did you use as the lampshades for a few of the lights on your chandelier? I have one just like it and LOVE the look you have. I can't wait to paint my dark dining room set...you have totally inspired me!

OH MY FABULOUS!!!! I am in complete awe and have to thank Z for the giveaway so that I could be your newest follower! Your paintings are beautiful, your photos are dreamlike, and your dining room... well let's just say that I would sit there for hours gawking at your beautiful home! t. xoxoxoox

found you off of Pinterest cannot believe I have missed your blog. Yourmakeover is wonderful but your painting are amazing. I see you havea show coming up best of luck with it. I envy the fact that you live in Franklin. We lived near the Cool Springs Mall in the late 90"s I so miss it.

I am in love with the horse painting!! I can't leave it alone, so haunting. Do you do custom work? I would be very interested in a picture like that but with my cat. I could send you her picture (she is sadly no longer with me). What would you charge?

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I am so happy you are here.

I am a passionate artist, master gardener, photography addict and recovering perfectionist. I live in one of the cutest little towns in the whole wide world, surrounded by beautiful horse country. i love to go junking for vintage treasures.

click on any image on my side bar to take you to that post.

hand painted doily pumpkins

DIY flower cake

chenille pumpkins

autumnal entry

painted stone fireplace before and after

dining room makeover with Annie Sloan paint

garden folly

slip covered dishwasher

grey painted locker

hand painted doily rocks

DIY doily bowls

aqua christmas decor

ALL images are my own...a labor of love...feel free to "pin" or borrow my images, ONLY with the appropriate credit given. thanks.